Date of Conferral
2-20-2025
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Management
Advisor
Miguel Messina
Abstract
Retaining qualified behavioral health leaders is critical to the success of the behavioral health organization. Continually exploring solutions and strategies helps the organization to assess and improve its effectiveness in meeting its mission, vision, and values. This study focused on the development and execution of the strategic plan as a tool for the organization to successfully meet its goals. The problem addressed in this study is the leadership turnover rate and how this change impacts progress toward achieving the mission, vision, and values of the organization. The Baldrige Excellence Framework was used in this study to evaluate processes of hiring, training, and development of leaders within a behavioral health organization located in the western region of the United States. Data sources collected for this study included semi-structured interviews with leaders of the organization, a review of current literature, leadership meeting minutes, leadership training plans, and retention and turnover rates. Themes that emerged from the data analysis revealed three significant areas: lack of performance measures, underutilization of the organization’s strategic plan, and lack of necessary data to identify areas for improvement. Recommendations have included utilizing the strategic plan as a roadmap and review for progress regularly, and developing individualized performance measures based on leadership job descriptions. This study will contribute to positive social change by providing solutions to retaining qualified leaders and reducing turnover, as turnover impacts more than the organization; it impacts family income, career adjustments, and possible loss of salary, as well as the possible increased stress of moving jobs.
Recommended Citation
Murphy, Kelly, "Solutions to Retaining Leaders in Behavioral Health Organizations" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17403.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17403